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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum are non-native to Wyoming, having been accidentally stocked in two Wyoming reservoirs in the early 1990s. These unique fish are the only North American member of the drum family that lives entirely in freshwater.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Also known as sheephead, gaspergou, thunder pumper, croaker

Physical Characteristics:
  • Deep-bodied, silvery fish.
  • They typically weigh 5-15 pounds but can exceed 30 pounds, with the world record being 54.5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Prefer the bottom of medium to large lakes and rivers.

Key Locations

  • Lower Laramie and Upper Belle Fourche watersheds, with observations recorded in 1994.

Specific Spots

  • Target depths of 40-60 feet, deeper river channels and lake areas, slow-moving pools near fast water and sandy/gravel beds during spawning, slow-moving pools, backwaters, and eddies near fast-moving channels in fall, deeper areas up to 60 feet in winter, deep rock outcroppings.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Freshwater Drum in Wyoming?

Nightcrawlers (highly effective year-round), live bait including crayfish, minnows, shiners, crickets, and freshwater shrimp. For artificial lures: jerk baits, gold or silver spoons (both dimpled and solid), lead head jigs, small jigs that mimic crayfish, bass and walleye lures, spinners, crankbaits.

When is the best time to fish for Freshwater Drum in Wyoming?

Spring fishing (spawning period May-June) should be avoided. Summer (June-July) provides excellent fishing opportunities when drum move to deeper river channels and lake areas, making it the best time to use fish finders to locate schools.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Wyoming?

Bottom fishing techniques, drop baits at various depths near deep rock outcroppings, use fish finders to locate schools, look for structure, find baitfish, and fish along strong currents for larger specimens.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Adult Freshwater Dr.um are opportunistic bottom feeders that consume immature insects, crayfish, minnows, amphipods, and mollusks, often rooting around substrate and moving rocks to dislodge prey. They feed actively throughout the night. Young fish primarily eat zooplankton.

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